Lafayette, LA-On July 2, 2014, at approximately 2:40 am, a Lafayette Police officer was investigating a shoplifting incident in the 3100 block of Ambassador Caffery Parkway (Wal-Mart).

The officer had detained two suspects and was told that their accomplices were waiting in a dark 4-door mid-size vehicle in the parking lot. The officer exited the store and began walking in the direction of the suspect’s vehicle.

A female occupant standing outside of the vehicle, quickly climbed back inside and the vehicle began backing up. As the vehicle backed up, the officer was struck by the front of the vehicle, knocking him to the ground. The vehicle then drove forward, striking the officer a second time, causing the officer to grab hold to the vehicle. The officer was dragged by the vehicle for approximately 100 feet before he released and fired two shots at the vehicle.

The suspects were seen fleeing the area. The officer was transported to an area hospital with moderate injuries.

Detectives are interviewing the two suspects that were detained and reviewing surveillance video in an attempt to identify the suspects.

Detectives are asking anyone with any information about the incident or the identity of the suspects to contact the Lafayette Police or Crime Stoppers at 232-TIPS.